Port Jervis-Delaware Valley softball game to benefit Parkinson's group

Monday

Apr 8, 2013 at 2:00 AM

While John Faggione was growing up, his dad, James, was quick to jump off the couch to have a catch with him on the front lawn.

JUSTIN RODRIGUEZ

While John Faggione was growing up, his dad, James, was quick to jump off the couch to have a catch with him on the front lawn.

These were great times, whether they were tossing around a baseball during the spring, or a football in the dead of winter. However, while he still was relatively young, James Faggione could no longer participate in the catches. He battled Parkinson's disease for several years before dying in 1999 at the age of 55.

"It was sure tough on him," said John Faggione, the softball coach at Port Jervis. "He wanted to be out there with his kids. But to see someone you love go through it, it's tough, too. Physically, it really changed who he was as a father, as an adult."

In memory of his father and to raise awareness about Parkinson's, Port Jervis will host Delaware Valley (Pa.) in a non-league softball game at 4 p.m. Tuesday. Proceeds from the game will benefit the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects nearly one million people in the United States. There is no cure.

Faggione's close friend, Delaware Valley coach Angelo Matz, also has been impacted by Parkinson's disease. His mother-in-law, Helen Gray, died two years ago at age 85 after battling Parkinson's.

"She was a great woman," Matz said. "She lived next door to us and helped us raise our children. We just wanted to do something to raise awareness."

jrodriguez@th-record.com

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.